Liquid indicator



F. W. SKINNER' LIQUID INDICATOR Filed Dec. 5, 19 23 INVENTOR Frank w.kz'mzen BY wazw.

- ATTORNEY Patented May 3, 1927.

FRANK W. SKINNER, OF WEST NORWOOD, NEW JERSEY.

LIQUID INDICATOR.

, Application filedDecember My invention relates to improvements inliquid gages, and more particularly has reference to a gage adapted forindicating the height of a liquid such as, gasoline in a container upona vehicle such as a motor car or boat, at a convenient place such as infront of .the operator upon the dashboard or the like.

In the accompanying drawings, I have .illustrated in Fig. 1 in frontelevation, a suitable form of indicator embodying an application of myinvention. Fig. 2 is a side view. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section onthe line 3-3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the casing or housing.plan view of the interior casing, and Fig. 6 a side view thereof. Fig. 7is a longitudinal section of a suitable form of threaded connection.

The frame or casing 14 is preferably cast of metal and is provided witha base chamber 8 communicating with a back channel 9 having laterallyprojecting lugs 10 in staggered arrangement as shown in Fig. 1. 11indicates a tapered chamber communicating with the channel 9 andterminating in a threaded connector 12 in communication with chamber 11through the opening 13. lVithin the casing 14: shown to advantage inFig. 4 may be seated the inner casing 15 shown to advantage in Figs. 5and 6, and in the base of which is secured a tube 16 communicating withthe channel 17 which in turn opens into the rectangular recess 18, thetube 16 seating in the rear of the base portion of the chamber 8 asshown in Fig. 3. Before the frame 15 is placed within the rectangularopening 19 of the casing 141, a

suitable gasket of paper 20 is preferably laid upon the ledge 21 havingbeen suitably saturated with glue, shellac, or other suitable material,and the two frames are then pressed together until securely sealed. Inthe top of the inner frame a suitable opening 22 is provided and thesame is adapted when the parts are assembled to register with theopening 23 in the top of the frame 14, and also communicates with theopening 24 in the cup member 25, which cup member is externally threadedas indicated at 26 and is provided with a spring such as 27 which restsupon the annular flange or ledge 28 of the casting as shown. 29indicates a button having a piston base 30 adapted to be reciprocatedwithin the cylinder or tube 31 Fig. 5 a

5, 1923. Serial No. 678,719.

and which is normally projected by the spring 27, and 32indicates a capor ring through which said button 29 projects and which is threaded uponthe interior as indicated at 33 to receive a cap such 34 for sealing thesame when the button is pressed imvardly against the spring 2'7 forshipment.

\Vhen assembled, the face of the inner frame 15 is covered with a gasketof paper suitably saturated with glue, shellac, or other suitablematerial, after which a plate of glass such as 86 is pressed thereonuntil securely sealed, and then the escutcheon or face plate 37 may beapplied. This plate is provided with suitable studs such as 38 whichenter the recess such as 89 in the casing and which studs are drilledand tapped to re ceive screws adapted to pass through the back of thecasing as indicated at 40, thereby securely assembling the completeindicator.

When applying the same to a dashboard or other suitable support upon avehicle, a hole is drilled of a diameter sufficient to receive thechamber 8, and a second hole is drilled above sufficiently to allow forthe passage of the chamber 11 after which a suitable bolt may be passedover the coupling 12, thereby securely holding the indicator in positionand leaving the connection 12 clear for connecting on the air tube whichpasses to the tank containing the gasoline or other liquid to bemeasured; For purposes of shipment and to prevent loss of liquid, a keyplug such as 41 tapped at the inner end as indicated at 42 may beintroduced into the coupling 12 as shown in Fig. 7 and screwed downtight so as to prevent any loss of liquid In applying the gage it isheld upright before the plug l1 is removed. allows the liquid to drainback into the reading chamber 18 and base chamber 8 and variations ofair pressure in the line connecting the tank with the inlet connector 12pass down through the air space 9, thereby causing the liquid in thechamber 8 to rise or fall through the tube 16, channel 17 and readingspace 18 accordingly as the height of the liquid varies in the tank. Forpurposes of rectification, and to replace possible air loss in the line,the button 29 which is perforated as indicated at 43 may be pushed andthe air compressed with the compression of the spring 27 passes downThis through the channel 23-22 and through the liquid, thereby balancingthe air line so as to insure correct reading.

Of course it will be understood that various modifications may be madein the construction and arrangement of parts Without departing from thespirit of the invention as claimed.

I claim:

1. In a gauge of the class described, a casing having a liquid Well inthe base, a transparent. front portion, a column of liquid behind saidfront adapted to he observed therethrough. said column con'nnunicatingwith said well, there being a passage from said well to the liquid to begauged and means in said passage for retarding flow or air between saidwell and the liquid to be gauged, push button pump means adjacent thetop and on the front of said gauge for admitting and forcing air throughsaid column, well and said air retarding means, said push button meansWhen inoperative, providing escape for air above the top of said column.

QII'n a gauge of the class described, a casing having a liquid Well inthe base, a transparent front portion, a column of liquid behind saidfront adapted to be observed therethrough, said column communicatingwith said Well, there being a passage from said Well to the liquid to begauged and means in said passage for retarding flow of air between saidWell and the liquid'to be gauged, push button pump means adjacent thetop and on the front of said gauge for admitting and forcing air throughsaid column, Well and said air retarding means, said push button meanswhen inoperative, providing escape for air above the top of said column,and a cap for sealing said push button means.

In testimony whereof I hereunto afiix my signature.

FRANK WV. SKINNER'.

